WomensNet News

November 9th 2011

Amber Business Grant Awarded to Chicago’s Heavenly Skinny Kitchen

We’re thrilled to announce the October WomensNet.net Amber Grant Winner…. Is Fernanda Chacon from Chicago, IL. Fernanda is the owner of Heavenly Skinny Kitchen. We love Fernanda’s story as a young women entrepreneur who used her passion for healthy cooking to fill a niche in the Chicago downtown marketplace. We’re sure you’ll be inspired by the short interview we did with Fernanda below.

BTW, we’re currently taking applications for the November WomensNet.net Amber Grant. We’d love to hear your story, and you just might be our next winner. But there are only a few weeks to get your application to us. So if you’re interested, please don’t wait. We will announce our winner the first week in December.

WomensNet.net: What made you want to be self-employed?

FC:First, thank you Women’s Net so much. What a blessing!.. I think the main reason why I’d wanted to be self-employed is because I like my ideas to be heard. I always like to go the extra mile and think about all the options, either good or bad, as well as the growth potential. Most corporations just want you to follow the manual and don’t leave room for opinions or imagination.

WomensNet.net: Tell us about a little bit about your business, Heavenly Skinny Kitchens.

FC: I started the business earlier this year and went full steam this summer. The idea started out of my own need for healthy and tasty food. Working long hours in downtown Chicago with limited options for healthy foods made realize the need for a healthier option. I can’t remember how many times I found myself eating the same salad for a whole week straight. Heavenly Skinny Kitchen is dedicated to creating the best lunch experience for busy downtown workers who want to have a balanced diet – but struggle with the same old unhealthy choices. Right now, Heavenly Skinny Kitchen works as a catering service for individuals, but my goal is to open a location to the public.

WomensNet.net:What will you use the $500 Amber Grant for?

FC:I will use the money towards marketing to get the word out on healthy eating and getting more customers for the business. I might also use it toward a delivery truck.

WomensNet.net: Have you always had a passion for cooking? We ask because we’re true believers that women-owned businesses that are built on passion survive over those businesses that women just do for “a job.” And because we drooled over the menu on your website! J

FC: LOL, yes, I do have a great passion, not just cooking but eating well and fitness. While in college, before starting my business, I always found a reason to have people over so I could cook and try new recipes. I think food is such an important element of life and it has a huge influence on your overall health. With those ideals, I decided to create a kitchen where people can eat delicious meals on the go – while staying fit.

WomensNet.net: What have been the smartest decisions you’ve made with Healthy Skinny Kitchens?

FC: Well, I always dreamt of opening up a restaurant but the initial investment can be a huge barrier. My best decision has been to adapt the idea to a set menu with catering options and membership packages. That’s how I’ve been able to progressively grow and increase my capital. By sticking to this motto, not only did it take away pressures of investing a huge amount of money in a start-up restaurant, but it has given me the experience for when that time comes.